Mares Syncro Power Tech BC ??
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BEM
Contributor
I have the Mares Syncro Tech (2000 model). Not too sure what the Power version is maybe the 2002 version.
I like it a lot and it is pretty tough, with lots of lift (the manual says 27 kg or 50+ lbs). There are enough adjustments to suit me as I couldnt stand the jacket type of BC - when it inflated, I couldnt breathe.
The back bladder does keep me in a good profile underwater, but at the surface, my face is always being pushed into the water. Ive adjusted my surface technique and only swim on my back very comfortable and easy.
It is pretty heavy (8.8 pounds), and not easy to lug around, but once Im under I feel safe and comfortable with it The weight packs are secure and there is a band over the pockets to make sure they stay there. But in an emergency they can be pulled out fairy easily as my buddy found out in my rescue diver class.
I dont like the oral inflator hard to keep in my mouth I like the Genesis design better.
The exhaust valve above my right shoulder is the one I use the most its easy to control with the beehive shaped releases.
It is great for the colder water divers I do (wet not dry), but I may invest in a smaller and easier traveling BC for warm water vacations, but I really do find it comfortable drifting over coral I never really had to concentrate on my buoyancy.
Hope this helps. Oh, I bought mine on sale for $495, retail was $995 (US - $310 and $625).
I like it a lot and it is pretty tough, with lots of lift (the manual says 27 kg or 50+ lbs). There are enough adjustments to suit me as I couldnt stand the jacket type of BC - when it inflated, I couldnt breathe.
The back bladder does keep me in a good profile underwater, but at the surface, my face is always being pushed into the water. Ive adjusted my surface technique and only swim on my back very comfortable and easy.
It is pretty heavy (8.8 pounds), and not easy to lug around, but once Im under I feel safe and comfortable with it The weight packs are secure and there is a band over the pockets to make sure they stay there. But in an emergency they can be pulled out fairy easily as my buddy found out in my rescue diver class.
I dont like the oral inflator hard to keep in my mouth I like the Genesis design better.
The exhaust valve above my right shoulder is the one I use the most its easy to control with the beehive shaped releases.
It is great for the colder water divers I do (wet not dry), but I may invest in a smaller and easier traveling BC for warm water vacations, but I really do find it comfortable drifting over coral I never really had to concentrate on my buoyancy.
Hope this helps. Oh, I bought mine on sale for $495, retail was $995 (US - $310 and $625).
Strick
Guest
I have the same BC and it is great! I would have to agree with BEM's statements on it. Although it does sport a little extra weight, and the inflator isn't exactly the best design... over all I have really enjoyed it on every dive I do, Fits great, pockets, D-rings, weight system... all makes this BC worth it.
=-)
=-)
BEM
Contributor
Well, I dont have the Mares Syncro Tech any more! Last fall I noticed that the webbing on the inside back had come out of the large grommet holding the tank strap. I let the dive shop, where I bought it, know about it and they said that they would fix it when I brought it in for the 1 year service.
I took it in, in February, and when I got it back it was not fixed. I talked to the owner and he later talked to Mares Canada who talked to Mares head office, Italy, and they said that it wasnt a manufacturers defect as it would not affect the functionality of the BC, they would not fix it.
The manager gave me the Mares Canada rep name and number - I called him and basically told him that I didnt abuse the BC and that it WAS a manufacturers defect and that it should be fixed as the webbing may tear in the future. He listened and said Take it to the shop and we will give you a brand new Syncro Power Tech the 2002 model. Needless to say I was impressed and thanked him. He wasnt pissed off and was really nice and friendly.
So I got my new BC. There are a number of differences 2 fixed weight back positioned pockets (none on the 2000 model); no webbing a more comfortable back pad; 1 rollout side pocket (2000 model had 2); two side pockets (2000 had two front pockets); the inflator hose inlet is positioned further down the back; and it is slightly smaller than the same size of the 2000 model (Medium). The weight pouches seem to be more secure cant put my finger on why, but the old exterior straps that held the weights in are gone. Same inflator mouthpiece though.
I tried it out last weekend and I didnt notice much difference underwater (other than getting used to the different pockets). On the surface, the back weights really keep my head up and not pushed forward (well, not as much).
I think that it is a great BC, but time will tell.
I dont see many Mares BCs around, I understand that they are popular in Europe and the Far East but not so much in North America. Anyone got any ideas why?
I took it in, in February, and when I got it back it was not fixed. I talked to the owner and he later talked to Mares Canada who talked to Mares head office, Italy, and they said that it wasnt a manufacturers defect as it would not affect the functionality of the BC, they would not fix it.
The manager gave me the Mares Canada rep name and number - I called him and basically told him that I didnt abuse the BC and that it WAS a manufacturers defect and that it should be fixed as the webbing may tear in the future. He listened and said Take it to the shop and we will give you a brand new Syncro Power Tech the 2002 model. Needless to say I was impressed and thanked him. He wasnt pissed off and was really nice and friendly.
So I got my new BC. There are a number of differences 2 fixed weight back positioned pockets (none on the 2000 model); no webbing a more comfortable back pad; 1 rollout side pocket (2000 model had 2); two side pockets (2000 had two front pockets); the inflator hose inlet is positioned further down the back; and it is slightly smaller than the same size of the 2000 model (Medium). The weight pouches seem to be more secure cant put my finger on why, but the old exterior straps that held the weights in are gone. Same inflator mouthpiece though.
I tried it out last weekend and I didnt notice much difference underwater (other than getting used to the different pockets). On the surface, the back weights really keep my head up and not pushed forward (well, not as much).
I think that it is a great BC, but time will tell.
I dont see many Mares BCs around, I understand that they are popular in Europe and the Far East but not so much in North America. Anyone got any ideas why?
divedivedive!
Guest
Well, firstly there's the fact that they do produce (some) good gear - technical configuration aspects aside, their BCs are truly sturdy, and their fins and masks highly rated. Can't say the same for their wetsuits.
Europe is an easy enough one to fathom - being an Italian brand they benefit from the lowered costs of transportation, distribution and a favourable exchange rate to consumers as opposed to the brands you commonly see in the USA.
Not sure about the Far East, even though I'm typing from Singapore. Maybe they were just here first? Could quite likely have been helped by the exchange rate too, back when the US$ was just too strong. Anyway since then they've put in place a good system of distribution, availability, servicing, etc, so they're ubiquitous. Not to mention having earned their reputation.
No one else seems to have mentioned this yet...
But why would you buy that BC when, for about the same price, can get a much more versatile and streamlined setup of a BP with wings?
But why would you buy that BC when, for about the same price, can get a much more versatile and streamlined setup of a BP with wings?
I picked one up on sale last year and it ran me about $250. I really liked the freedeom of the back inflation coming from renting jacket-type BCs. The trim weight pockets were a plus in staying upright on the surface.
The fit of the BC wasn't quite right. Underwater the BC always seemed loose like it was riding up or away from my body... this could be due to the unfortunate shape of my wasitline. The pockets were functional, but I never used them and they seemed to be in the way. Hard BC to pack for trips too.
At first, I thought the weights were pretty secure... but they fell out on my more than once. I think it was because I brushed up against the outside flap. Not fun nor a good thing at any time.
Towards the end of the season, I passed the synchro power tech along to my girlfried and went to a BP + wing. Great for trips, and you can't beat the configuration flexibility. Definitely don't miss the pockets. The Halcyon rig I chose was definitely not cheaper than the Mares BC. Though, I've seen $50 BPs, $55 wings, etc. So if you shop around you might be able to come in under $300 for a complete rig.
You won't go wrong with the Synchro Power Tech once you get used to the BC. Gook luck with your selection.
Ken
The fit of the BC wasn't quite right. Underwater the BC always seemed loose like it was riding up or away from my body... this could be due to the unfortunate shape of my wasitline. The pockets were functional, but I never used them and they seemed to be in the way. Hard BC to pack for trips too.
At first, I thought the weights were pretty secure... but they fell out on my more than once. I think it was because I brushed up against the outside flap. Not fun nor a good thing at any time.
Towards the end of the season, I passed the synchro power tech along to my girlfried and went to a BP + wing. Great for trips, and you can't beat the configuration flexibility. Definitely don't miss the pockets. The Halcyon rig I chose was definitely not cheaper than the Mares BC. Though, I've seen $50 BPs, $55 wings, etc. So if you shop around you might be able to come in under $300 for a complete rig.
You won't go wrong with the Synchro Power Tech once you get used to the BC. Gook luck with your selection.
Ken
divedivedive!
Guest
Funny you should mention it... but I was searching for Halcyon a couple of days back on eBay and noticed that Scuba446 had AGAIN put his Koplin/Halcyon rig up for auction again. And within 2 days took it off AGAIN. What's going on?
dkerr
Guest
I only have a few dives on it but like it a lot. Very comfortable in the water, much more streamlined than my other BC, and keeps me at a good attitude; though it is extremely heavy and doesnt pack worth crap. It looks a lot more techy than I like. I bought this BC because I found it on ebay for $187 brand new. I was about to purchase a BP/wings set up, but being a cheap SOB I went for this. For the price I am extremely happy. I would not pay anywhere neer full price for it though. You would be much better off buying BP/wings for the same or probably less than the retail price of the power tech. Just my .02
Doug
Doug
testdrv321
New
My buddy and me just got two of them on closeout (about $300) and they seem like a good BC so far. The back bouyancy is a big change but is nice in that it is not constrictive at all. They do run very big size wise so make sure you try one on. The weighting is critical. We found it best to split the wieght 60% on the pull outs and 40% in the back pockets. Moving the weight foward and back on the pull out board even one notch makes a big difference. Once we got them set up, it was a much more pelasurable experience. They are heavier and bulkier than some others, but we thought they were a good deal. Biggest worry is that the plastic D rings will break. Ok so far, but worried. The BC adjusts nicely so it is manageable even for extended hikes down the beach with a tank on it. It looks like the back plane will work with doubles, but I have not ventured into that realm yet. Any insight on this?
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